Heather lives with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS).

#FightEB so Heather doesn't have to suffer alone

If you've ever worn a new pair of shoes, walked a few miles in tight boots or scalded yourself on a hot kettle, then chances are, you know what it's like to get a blister. 

It causes a bit of discomfort and inconvenience while it heals, then it's often forgotten.

For Heather, the experience couldn't be more different.

 

 

A single blister can leave Heather unable to walk.

She suffers from epidermolysis bullosa (EB) - a condition that causes her skin to blister and tear, leaving her in excruciating pain.

Everyday activities, like standing, walking and even holding a pen, can give Heather agonising blisters.

Sometimes the pain is so bad she crawls on the floor to take the pressure off her feet.

'The most frustrating thing about EB is the pain. There's nothing you can do to get away from it. It's hard to make others understand what it's really like,' she says. 'I don't talk about it anymore because it's part of my everyday life.'

Heather doesn't let her EB stop her from doing anything.

She's the first woman in the world to qualify as a tank paintball instructor, a physically demanding role that many people would think twice about. But Heather is fearless - she's also the only woman in the world eligible to run a tank paintball battle.

Life with EB can be very isolating.

Through DEBRA, Heather has been able to meet other people suffering from EB and share experiences, something which makes a huge difference to the quality of life.

'Growing up, I was often the first person with EB that doctors and nurses had seen. It was a very lonely experience. DEBRA's always been there for me, providing a support network whenever it's needed.'

Give now to make a difference to people suffering from EB.

Your gift could help provide care and support to improve the quality of life for the entire EB Community or could fund pioneering research for symptom alleviation and, ultimately, a cure.